Rich Putnam Among Powerlifting Elite
By Jesse MacWilliam Albany/Capital Region
PUBLISHED 9:24 AM ET Mar. 20, 2021
At the Gorilla Pack Power lifting team in Fonda lies one of the strongest men you’ll ever meet: Richard Putnam.
"I would like to say that. Definitely one of the strongest in [the] States," Putnam says.
What You Need To Know
Fonda resident Rich Putnam has been powerlifting for more than 20 years
Putnam can bench press 1,000 pounds and is only one of 11 men to do so
Putnam will get a chance to prove himself against that elite few in the "Baddest Bencher" competition in Texas
Rich has been powerlifting for more than 20 years, picking up the sport shortly after his high school sports days. Rich currently sits in a prestigious group as one of 11 men recorded to bench press 1,000 pounds.
"This is a very special thing that's happening here," he says. "It’s great for the sport."
Now, Rich has the chance to prove himself against those elite few. On Saturday, he’ll be in Texas participating in the "Baddest Bencher" competition to prove who is the world's strongest bencher as everyone will be lifting 1,000 pounds or more.
"Some of these guys were idols to me, so just to be able to compete and be on the same stage is an honor in itself," he says. "I'm a fighter. I’ve been doing this over 20 years and the reason is, I don’t give up. It’s a drive never to give up and keep pushing forward and hard work. Hard work pays off more than anything else."
It’s a lifetime opportunity. But Rich said he wouldn’t be in the spot if it wasn’t for his Gorilla Pack team, a group he calls his second family, and, of course, the love and support of his wife and kids.
"I have a wife of 22 years, Jean, that’s supported me through all the tough times, the bad times and the good times. It’s all those bad times together and that one good time that makes it all worth it. And this right here. All the bad meets I’ve had, all the ups and downs, you just can’t give up. Keep pushing forward. And now I have my two younger kids, Jillian and Donovan, that look up to me and are going also, so you don’t want to be defeated in front of your kids and your family."
Defeat is something that he says hasn’t entered his mind at all. He’s ready to come home with the gold.
"I’m going to win. Absolutely," he said. "I’m going to do what I gotta do, but I can guarantee you one thing: The last attempt going on the bar is for the win."